Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023; Date; Importance and Significance
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual festival celebrated in the city of Puri, Odisha, India. The festival celebrates Lord Jagannath, who is said to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Rath Yatra is a grand procession in which the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are taken out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on three huge chariots. Thousands of worshippers then drag the chariots through Puri’s streets.
Date of Rath Yatra 2023
This year the Rath Yatra is celebrated on Dwitiya tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Aashaadha i.e., on June 20, 2023
Dwitiya Tithi starts – June 19, 2023 – 11:25 A.M.
Dwitiya Tithi comes to an end on June 20, 2023, at 1:07 PM.
Importance and Significance
The Rath Yatra is a very important festival for the people of Odisha and draws thousands of devotees from all over India and the world. The festival is celebrated in the month of June or July, depending on the Hindu calendar. The preparations for the festival begin weeks in advance, with the construction of the chariots and the decoration of the idols.
The chariots used in the Rath Yatra are massive structures made of wood and are decorated with bright colors, flowers, and other decorations. The chariot of Lord Jagannath is called Nandighosa and is 45 feet high and 35 feet wide. The chariot of Balabhadra is called Taladhwaja and is 44 feet high and 34 feet wide. The chariot of Subhadra is called Devadalana and is 43 feet high and 33 feet wide.
On the day of the Rath Yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are brought out of the Jagannath Temple and placed on chariots. Thousands of devotees then pull the chariots through Puri’s streets. The procession is accompanied by music, dance, and chanting of hymns.
The Rath Yatra is a very important festival for the people of Odisha and is steeped in tradition and mythology. According to legend, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra go on a vacation to their aunt’s house in the countryside every year. The chariot procession is a symbolic representation of this journey.
The festival has a significant impact on the local economy, with thousands of people visiting Puri to witness the grand procession. The festival also provides employment opportunities for people in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The Rath Yatra is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India and is a celebration of the country’s diversity and religious tolerance. The festival is a reminder that despite our differences, we are all united by a common bond of humanity.
Here are some lesser-known facts about the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra:
1. The Rath Yatra has a long and fascinating history, dating back over 1,000 years. It is believed to have originated during the reign of King Indradyumna, who is said to have built the first Jagannath temple in Puri.
2. The construction of the chariots is a closely guarded secret and is only known to a select group of skilled craftsmen who have been making them for generations.
3. The chariots are made entirely of wood, with no nails or screws used in their construction. The wood used in the chariots is specially treated to make it durable and resistant to termites.
4. The deities are placed on the chariots using a complex system of ropes and pulleys, which is operated by hundreds of volunteers.
5. The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees, who believe that pulling the chariot is a way of seeking blessings from the deities.
6. The procession covers over 3 kilometers and takes several hours to complete.
7. The Rath Yatra is also known as the Festival of Chariots, as it involves the ceremonial procession of the deities on massive chariots.
8. The festival is celebrated in over 100 cities around the world, including New York, London, and Sydney. The Rath Yatra in Puri remains the most famous and well-attended, however.
9. The Rath Yatra is also a time for people to indulge in traditional foods and delicacies. Some of the popular dishes served during the festival include khichdi, Dalma, and chenna poda.
10. The festival is celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds, with devotees from all over India and the world coming to Puri to seek blessings from the deities.
11. The Rath Yatra is also a time for people to give back to the community and help those in need. Many people donate food, clothing, and other essentials to the less fortunate during the festival.
12. The Rath Yatra is an important example of the syncretic culture of India, where people of different religions and backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared heritage and culture.
In conclusion, the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is a festival that has great cultural, religious, and economic significance. The festival is a celebration of the rich heritage of India and is a time for people to come together in a spirit of unity and brotherhood.